Training aid for firearms using rotating and non-rotating bolts

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and system permitting simulated firing from any firearm including a bolt and/or rotating bolt as well as rifles, machine guns, sniper rifles and the like. In particular, the present invention relates to light emitting munitions, being used as part of a system for registering “hits” during dry-fire exercises and gaming with any hand-held firearm, without any change to either the feel, or the external dimensions of the firearms.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and system permittingsimulated firing from any firearm including a bolt and/or rotating boltas well as rifles, Machine guns, Sniper rifles and the like. Inparticular, the present invention relates to a light-emitting ammunitionto be used as part of a system for registering “hits” during dry-fireexercises and gaming with any hand-held firearm, without any change toeither the feel, or the external dimensions of the gun.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There has long existed the need for an apparatus and system whereby auser could train with a firearm and any firearm including a bolt and/orrotating bolt as well as rifles, Machine guns, Sniper rifles and thelike, without placing the user or others at risk of an accidentaldischarge of the firearm. This safety imperative coincides with an addeddesire to limit the wear and tear on a firearm brought about byextensive firing during training. This has proven to be especiallyrelevant to those in the law-enforcement field or military personnelrequiring a high degree of firearm practice.

With firearm including a bolt and/or rotating bolt as well as rifles,Machine guns, Sniper rifles and the like it is also imperative that anyinstallation or de-installation (removal) shall be readily performed byany user without having recourse for the services of an armorer orgunsmith (also known as “drop in” feature).

The traditional means of training with a firearm including a bolt and/orrotating bolt as well as rifles, Machine guns, Sniper rifles and thelike, whereby a user at a shooting range fires live ammunition at atarget, has proven to have a number of significant drawbacks. The moreprevalent of these drawbacks include the above-mentioned risk ofaccidental discharge of the user's or others' firearms, the associateddangers of being present near live fire training, the increasing wearand tear on a firearm as it is used in training, and the generalinconvenience of the shooting range paradigm. Furthermore, with firearmsincluding a bolt and/or rotating bolt as well as rifles, Machine guns,Sniper rifles and the like there is an added cost of ammunition whichcan be quite significant indeed. Furthermore, range “time” and space area scarce commodity in all training facilities. Thus, trainingcapabilities which do not require the use of a range are an addedbenefit to trainees and users. As such, there exists the need for analternative to traditional firearm training that will mitigate the abovedisadvantages while maintaining the overall benefit of live firetraining as well as provide enhanced “dry fire” facilities and moreefficient “dry fire” systems and methods.

Many “dry-fire” inventions and methods now exist to ensure that usersmay train with their respective firearms without the safety risks andaccompanying deterioration inherent in traditional firearm training. Thepresent invention introduces a new apparatus and system for achieving ahigh degree of safety and accuracy during training while significantlyreducing the wear and tear on a firearm during same.

Various prior art apparatuses and methods have been described andreviewed in earlier U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,795, US02/0057719, U.S. Pat. No.5,909,951, and European Patent No. EP0467090, which are incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,795 (hereinafter: “Sweat”) describes theMulti-caliber Laser Firing Cartridge, comprised of a laser projectorwith a mechanical firing pin switch. The laser projector utilizes aconcentric shape recalling that of a bullet. Sweat's innovation lies inthe adjustable settings that allows a single cartridge to be used indifferent caliber weapons. Sweat also teaches a switch unit that allowsa mechanical pulse delay using a specific described mechanism. However,the disclosed invention still has many disadvantages. Sweat does notteach rim modification that prevents ejection of the cartridge, nor doesSweat describe the use of modulation to carry information. Furthermore,Sweat does not describe a safety interlock. Sweat's module can beactivated by a single pressure switch, leading to a laser radiation in adirection perhaps unintended by the user. Furthermore, a live roundcould be entered in error into the chamber of the firearm leading topotentially fatal consequences.

U.S. Patent No. US02/0057719 (hereinafter: “Shechter”) describes animproved system over Sweat's innovation in that Shechter describes a rimdesign that prevents ejection of the bullet. However, Shecter teachesaway from a firing pin switch, instead describing a mechanical wavesensor and/or an acoustic sensor. This is a disadvantage in thatShecter's mechanical wave sensor and/or acoustic sensor is prone tomisfiring when subjected to extraneous vibration or noise, which oftenoccur during simulation training. Here as well, a live round could beentered in error into the chamber of the firearm leading to potentiallyfatal consequences.

European Patent No. 0467090 (hereinafter: “Budmiger”), which was notsubmitted for U.S. patent prosecution, teaches a switch mechanism thatis comprised of a piezoelectric transducer and an independent powersupply. However, Budmiger only claims as novelty a combination of apiezoelectric transducer and a battery as a firing pin impact switch andsuch novelty would appear to be limited to the specific combinationdescribed, leaving other innovations available to the public.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,951 (hereinafter: “Johnsen”) teaches the use of amulti-channel laser signal. The signal includes an alignment carrierthat allows a training system to generate aiming feedback as well as apulse that simulates a gunshot when an acoustic sensor detects a triggerrelease. Johnsen does not utilize a firing pin, nor is there a methoddealing with an ejection mechanism. Johnsen's implementation is notlimited to a handgun but can be applied to a rifle and a shotgun aswell. There exists, however, several disadvantages to Johnsen'sapparatus. Despite teaching visible light, Johnsen does not claim theuse of visible light. Rather, Johnsen's claims specifically refer tonon-visible light, modulated to carry information about the state of theweapon (firing or aiming). Johnsen also discloses specific algorithmsand circuitry required to properly simulate the travel delay of aprojectile for more accurate simulations, such specific algorithms andcircuitry not being relevant for a handgun at a range of 25 yards orless. Johnsen's system does not use the case of the embodiment tocomplete an electrical circuit, relying instead on internal circuitry.Finally, the shape of the module in Johnsen is not concentric and doesnot resemble a true bullet.

Thus, such inventions as those described above generally suffer from atleast one of several disadvantages, including, inter alia, the lack of asafety interlock, the use of an accident prone mechanical wave/acousticsensor, the lack of a preventative mechanism for preventing loading alive round into the chamber. Therefore, the need exists to create amodule and system whereby the foregoing disadvantages are adequatelyremedied to a provide safe and durable “dry-fire” alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a training aid and system, which training aidis capable of being manufactured in different sizes for use with anypre-existing firearm. The training aid is designed to replace a standarda bolt and/or rotating bolt and/or bolt carrier for use during firearmtraining exercises and preferably bears a strong visual and physicalresemblance to the standard a bolt and/or rotating bolt and/or boltcarrier being replaced. The training aid of the present invention iscomprised of no combustible material and need not be capable of anyphysical projection. Rather, the training aid utilizes an illuminationsource to emit a visible light and/or IR illumination collinear with thebarrel of the firearm.

As is the case with any firearm, a user must first “fire” the firearmloaded with the present invention in order initialize the training aid.“Cocking” a weapon prior to firing is known as the process of displacingthe hammer and/or firing pin of a firearm to a rearward position,thereby preparing the trigger of the weapon for firing. Cocking isgenerally accomplished in one of several ways, depending on the make andmodel of a given firearm. In many handgun models a user may cock theweapon by manually thumbing back the hammer of the firearm. In othermodels, a “slide”, a bolt, a rotating bolt or a bolt carrier isdisplaced to aft of the firearm. In still other models, such as indouble action handguns, a rearward displacement of the trigger resultsin a complimentary rearward displacement of the hammer. Release of thehammer occurs when the trigger of the firearm is depressed with therequisite amount of pressure. Once the firearm has been appropriatelycocked, the firearm thereby becomes ready to be discharged by a rearwarddisplacement of the firearm's trigger.

Other weapon systems include a “hammerless” wherein pulling the triggerresults in a rearward displacement of the firearm's firing pin and/orrelease of a “cocked” firing pin. By way of example only, a variety ofother “cocking” mechanisms including, but not limited to, “squeezecockers” and the like.

When the user “pulls the trigger” of the firearm, it causes acomplimentary displacement of the hammer and/or firing pin to a forwardposition, which hammer and/or firing pin bring about a strike of thefiring pin on the firing cap/primer of the chambered cartridge. With astandard cartridge, this causes a chemical reaction whereby the primeris burned, the extreme heat from which burning leads to the bullet beinglaunched from the cartridge at an extremely fast speed. When thetraining aid is chambered instead of a standard a bolt, a rotating boltor a bolt carrier, the firing pin and/or hammer will impact an actuatorlocated on the rear of the training aid, thereby completing anelectrical circuit. Completion of the electrical circuit brings about arelease of illumination from the illuminator in the training aid. Theillumination then passes through a collimator for readily focusing theillumination. The focused illumination is emitted from the barrel of thefirearm and appears for a fixed duration at a point collinear with thefirearm's barrel.

The foregoing objective, feature, functions and advantages of thepresent invention can be more easily understood upon a thoughtfuldeliberation of the following detailed description of the embodiments ofthe present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

According to the present invention there is provided a training aidapparatus including: (a) a power source, an illuminator electricallyattached to the power source, and (c) an actuator electrically attachedto the illuminator for readily controlling illumination of theilluminator.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the trainingaid has a concentric shape recalling that of a bolt, a rotating bolt ora bolt carrier.

According to yet further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator is a light emitting diode.

According to still further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator is a light bulb.

According to further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator is a laser.

According to still further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator is an “eye safe” laser.

According to yet further embodiments of the present invention theactuator further includes a pressure sensitive switch.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the pressuresensitive switch is constructed of electrically conductive material.

According to yet further embodiments of the present invention thepressure sensitive switch simulates a firearm primer.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the actuatorincludes an energy absorbing material.

According to still further embodiments of the present invention thetraining aid apparatus further includes a collimator for focusing and/orcollimating illumination passing through the collimator.

According to yet further embodiments of the present invention thecollimator collimates illumination passing through the collimator intoan area of illumination is substantially between 0.01 and 0.1centimeters in diameter when illuminating at 9 yards.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the collimatorcollimates illumination passing through the collimator into an area ofillumination is substantially between 0.1 and 0.6 centimeters indiameter when illuminating at 9 yards.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the powersource includes a capacitor for limiting illumination duration.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the powersource includes a capacitor for limiting the number of illuminationsthereby readily simulating the magazine capacity of the specific weapon.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the trainingaid apparatus further includes a time chip for controlling the time ofillumination of the illuminator and/or the number of illuminationsthereby readily simulating the magazine capacity of the specific weapon.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chipfacilitates illumination of the illuminator for any time between 0.01seconds and 1.0 seconds.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chipfacilitates “eye safe” illumination of the illuminator.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chipfacilitates illumination of the illuminator for substantially 0.25seconds.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chipfacilitates illumination of the illuminator for any time between 0.5seconds and 2.0 seconds

According to further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator is modulated between 10-100 KHz.

According to further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator is modulated at substantially 40 KHz.

According to further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator illuminates at any wavelength.

According to further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator illuminates substantially at a wavelength producing visiblecolor selected from the group consisting of: red illumination, greenillumination, blue illumination and/or IR illumination.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the trainingaid apparatus further includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the signal iscompatible with any weapon simulation system.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a training aid system including: (a) a firearm including abarrel, (b) a training aid apparatus replacing a firing mechanismselected from the group consisting of: a bolt, a rotating bolt or a boltcarrier, situated in the barrel including: (i) a power source, (ii) anilluminator electrically attached to the power source, and (iii) anactuator electrically attached to the illuminator for readilycontrolling illumination of the illuminator, and (c) an audio apparatusresponsive to the training aid apparatus.

According to further embodiments of the system according to the presentinvention the training aid apparatus includes a wireless transmitter andthe audio apparatus includes a receiver.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the firearmincludes a magazine with an identification chip and the audio apparatusincludes a receiver.

According to still further embodiments of the present invention thetraining aid apparatus has a concentric shape recalling that of a bolt,a rotating bolt or a bolt carrier.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the trainingaid apparatus includes a pneumatic recoil simulator.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the magazineincludes a weighted striker for simulating subjective and objectiverecoil.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the magazinefurther includes a displacer for readily displacing the weighted strikeragainst a striking surface.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the displaceris responsive to an action selected from the group consisting of: thetraining aid apparatus being activated, the actuator being activated, asound from a firing pin, a vibration from the firing pin and the firingpin striking the actuator.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the audioapparatus further includes a speaker.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the audioapparatus further includes a speaker for simulating a sound selectedfrom the group consisting of: a specific firearm being fired, voicinginstructions by a human instructor and voicing imbedded instructions inaccordance to a training scenario.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the audioapparatus includes a set of headphones for simulating a sound selectedfrom the group consisting of: a specific firearm being fired, voicinginstructions by a human instructor and voicing imbedded instructions inaccordance to a training scenario.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the audioapparatus further includes a processing unit.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the processingunit is a computer.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the computeris interfaced to a signal from the training aid apparatus.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the signalreceived by the computers is fully interfaced with any on-line orweb-based software running on the computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a replacement bolt carrier and/or bolt ofa first embodiment of the training aid apparatus in a firearm; and

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an M16/AR15/M4 weapon system including aschematic view of the training aid system according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a trainingaid 10. Training aid 10 is preferably comprised of an illuminator 12, apower source 14, and an actuator 16.

Training aid 10 is preferably used while situated inside of, and inconjunction with, a firearm 18, wherein firearm 18 is preferablycomprised of a trigger 20, a hammer 22, a firing pin 24, and a barrel26. Barrel 26 is preferably comprised of a material capable ofconducting an electrical current.

Preferably, firearm 18 is one selected from the group consisting of anyfirearm including a bolt and/or rotating bolt 28, a bolt carrier 30 aswell as rifles, Machine guns, Sniper rifles, a pistol, a revolver, ashotgun, a rifle and the like.

Preferably, training aid 10 has a concentric shape recalling that of abolt and/or rotating bolt 28 and/or a bolt carrier 30.

Preferably, illuminator 12 is a light emitting diode (“LED”) for readilyemitting a visible light and/or IR illumination.

Alternatively, illuminator 12 is an LED of sufficient power toilluminate proximal and distal targets with visible and/or invisibleillumination.

Preferably, illuminator 12 is an LED has a capacity of at between 0.1-1watts.

Preferably, illuminator 12 is an LED has a capacity of at between 0.1-1watts.

Preferably, illuminator 12 is an LED has a capacity of at least 1 watts.

Alternatively, illuminator 12 is a bulb, which bulb is constructed ofsuch desired shape and size so as to fit within the physical contours oftraining aid 10.

More preferably, illuminator 12 is a laser diode for readily emittingcoherent electro-magnetic radiation.

Preferably, power source 14 is electrically connected to illuminator 12.Preferably, power source 14 is situated in adjacency to illuminator 12for readily powering illuminator 12. Optionally, illuminator 12 ispowered by a battery 32.

Preferably, battery 32 is a lithium battery for readily enhancing lengthof use. More preferably, battery 32 is a battery commonly used withknown electro-optic products known in the art.

Especially preferred, battery 32 is a 3 v lithium battery akin of CR123batteries known in the art.

Alternatively, actuator 16 is constructed of a crystalline. Optionally,actuator 16 is constructed of at least one crystalline formation, suchthat application of mechanical stress and/or pressure on actuator 16generates sufficient electric current to power illuminator 12.

Preferably, power source 14 generates electric current by application ofstress and/or mechanical pressure to a substance thus bringing aboutelectric polarization in the substance.

Preferably, actuator 16 includes a pressure sensitive switch 34constructed of such material so as to be able to conduct an electricalcurrent.

Preferably, pressure sensitive switch 34 simulates a firearm primer.Preferably, actuator 16 is constructed of such material so as tosubstantially lessen impact of firing pin 24 when actuator 16 is struckby firing pin 24.

Optionally an abbreviated firing pin 24 can be used thereby facilitatinglarger overall length (OAL) of the components in bolt carrier 30.

Preferably, actuator 16 and/or pressure sensitive switch 34 includes anenergy absorbing material such that energy from firing pin 24 strikingpressure sensitive switch 34 is dampened.

Preferably, actuator 16 and/or pressure sensitive switch 34 areconstructed in way that energy from firing pin 24 striking pressuresensitive switch 34 is dampened.

Preferably, actuator 16 is electrically connected to, and situated near,power source 14 so as to be capable of conducting an electrical currentfrom power source 14. Actuator 16 is further preferably electricallyconnected to, and situated near, batteries 32 so as to be capable ofconducting an electrical current from batteries 32.

Preferably, training aid 10 includes a capacitor 36 attached to, orintegrally formed with, power source 14.

Preferably, capacitor 36 is geared toward providing a multiplicity oftime settings wherein capacitor can be preset to release an electricalcharge sufficient for a single illumination of illuminator 12.

Optionally capacitor 36 replaces and/or augments the use of batteries 32in training aid 10.

Preferably, capacitor 36 is geared toward providing the ability tocreate a simulated jam in the firearm, such that the user shall berequired to perform a predetermined manipulation of the firearm prior tocapacitor 36 reengaging and facilitating the continuation of the stringof fire.

By way of example only, the “jam” may require the removal and insertionof the magazine in order to clear the “jammed” weapon and prior tocapacitor 36 reengaging and facilitating the continuation of the stringof fire. Alternatively, either randomly, or once in, for example, 90shots fired, or the fourth shot fired the firearm is set to simulate a“jam”, thereby forcing the user to “clear” the jammed condition of thefirearm.

Optionally, a time chip 38 is electrically to, or integrally formedwith, power source 14.

Preferably, time chip 38 can be preset to readily facilitateillumination of illuminator 12 for any time between 0.01 seconds and 1.0seconds.

Preferably, time chip 38 can be preset to readily facilitateillumination of illuminator 12 for any time between 0.05 seconds and0.30 seconds.

Preferably, time chip 38 can be preset to readily facilitateillumination of illuminator 12 for substantially 0.25 seconds.

Preferably, time chip 38 can be preset to readily facilitateillumination of illuminator 12 for any time between 0.5 seconds and 2.0seconds, such that any displacement of firearm 18 during or afterillumination initiation is readily visible to a user either with thenaked eye or with the assistance of suitable apparatus as in the case ofan IR illumination.

Preferably, training aid 10 includes a collimator 40 attached to, orintegrally formed, with illuminator 12.

Preferably, collimator 40 is situated in adjacency to illuminator 12 forreadily focusing light and/or electromagnetic radiation passing throughcollimator 40.

Preferably, collimators 40 of different characteristics can be used asknown in the art for producing alternate focusing and/or collimatingproperties of illumination emitted from illuminator 12.

Preferably, collimator 40 focuses and/or collimates illumination passingthrough collimator 40 into a clear, substantially circular area ofillumination that is substantially between 0.01 and 0.1 centimeters indiameter when illuminating at 9 yards.

Preferably, collimator 40 focuses and/or collimates illumination passingthrough collimator 40 into a clear, substantially circular area ofillumination that is substantially between 0.1 and 0.6 centimeters indiameter when illuminating at 9 yards.

Preferably, a bias 42 is situated on, or in adjacency to, actuator 16for readily displacing actuator 16 such that actuator 16 disengages andillumination ceases.

Preferably, training aid 10 includes an identification transmitter 44for readily transmitting a signal from training aid 10 to any receiver.

Preferably, identification transmitter 44 readily transmits a signalsubstantially contemporaneously with every illumination of illuminator12.

Preferably, identification transmitter 44 is capable of transmitting anytype of signal compatible with any weapon simulation system known in theart, including but not limited to, Miles2000™. Namely and by way ofexample only identification transmitter 44 readily facilitatestransmitting any signal indicative of simulating any weapon type.

Preferably, identification transmitter 44 is capable of transmitting anysignal indicative of simulating any specific firearm 18.

Optionally, training aid 10 is further comprised of a pneumatic recoilsimulation element 46, for readily allowing discharge of training aid 10as if training aid was a fully functional bolt, rotating bolt or boltcarrier firing a standard cartridge.

Alternatively, recoil simulation element only “re-cocks” hammer 22without appreciably displacing bolt carrier 30 or bolt 28.

Optionally, recoil simulation element 46 is non-pneumatic and includes asolenoid for simulating the recoil and/or “re-cocking” hammer 22.

Optionally, recoil simulation element is activated electrically bytrigger 20 without having recourse to using hammer 22 and/or firing pin24.

Optionally, firearm 18 is further comprises of a pneumatic mechanism 48such as has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,141, for readilysimulating “kickback”.

In operation, hammer 22 is displaced to a rearward position. Suchrearward positioning of hammer 22 is known as “cocking” and usually aprerequisite step to discharging firearm 18 and engaging training aid10.

After firearm 18 has been cocked, rearward displacement of trigger 20results in a complimentary displacement of the hammer 22 to a forwardposition, thereby striking firing pin 24. Such strikes cause firing pin24 to strike actuator 16, the contact from such striking of actuator 16thereby completing an electrical circuit.

Occasioning on a hammerless firearm 18 being used, in operation, firingpin 24 is displaced to a rearward position. Such rearward positioning offiring pin 24 is known as “cocking” and is a prerequisite step todischarging hammerless firearm 18 and engaging training aid 10.

After hammerless firearm 18 has been cocked, rearward displacement oftrigger 20 results in a complimentary release of firing pin 24 to aforward position, thereby striking actuator 16, the contact from suchstriking of actuator 16 thereby completing an electrical circuit.

Occasioning on firearm 18 being a revolver, a bolt action rifle, aroating bolt rifle or firearm 18 having a “double action” mechanism (DA)or double action only mechanism (DAO), illumination of illuminator 12occurs substantially contemporaneously with firing pin 24 strikingactuator 16.

Completion of electrical circuit brought about by firing pin 24 strikingactuator 16 causes power source 14 to provide power to illuminator 12.Upon receiving power from power source 14, illuminator 12 emitsillumination that passes through collimator 40 and further throughbarrel 26 and then out of firearm 18 to a location collinear with barrel26. In an embodiment of the present invention wherein illuminator 12 isa laser diode, illuminator 12 emits coherent electro-magnetic radiationthat passes through collimator 40 before exiting barrel 26 of firearm 18to a location collinear with barrel 26.

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates for 0.05-0.5 seconds for everyillumination.

The term “eye safe” as used herein includes, but is not limited tolasers in classes 1, 1M, 2 and 2M of American National StandardsInstitute (ANSI) Z136.1 (2000) standard.

More preferably illuminator 12 illuminates substantially “eye safe”illumination.

Preferably, illumination of illuminator 12 is modulated between 10-100KHz.

More preferably, illumination of illuminator 12 is modulated atsubstantially 40 KHz.

Preferably, illuminator 12 is capable of illuminating at any wavelengthincluding, but not limited to, visible, Infra Red, Ultra Violet andX-ray wavelengths.

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates at a wavelength of substantially635 nm.

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates substantially at a wavelengthproducing visible red.

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates substantially at a wavelengthproducing Infra Red (IR) illumination.

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates substantially at a wavelengthproducing visible red illumination

Preferably, training aid 10 is compatible with any simulation known andused in the art including, but not limited to, Miles 2000™.

Preferably, duration of completed electrical circuit resulting fromcontact between firing pin 24 and actuator 16 is predetermined by bias42, or by capacitor 36 circuitry located in training aid 10.

Occasioning on a hammerless firearm 18 being used, in operation, firingpin 24 is displaced to a rearward position. Such rearward positioning offiring pin 24 is known as “cocking” and is a prerequisite step todischarging hammerless firearm 18 and engaging training aid 10.

After firearm 18 has been cocked, rearward displacement of trigger 20results in a complimentary displacement of firing pin 24 to a forwardposition. Thereafter, firing pin 24 strikes actuator 16, the contactfrom such striking of actuator 16 thereby completing an electricalcircuit.

Completion of electrical circuit brought about by firing pin 24 strikingactuator 16 causes power source 14 to provide power to illuminator 12.Upon receiving power from power source 14, illuminator 12 emitsillumination that passes through collimator 40 and further throughbarrel 26 and then out of firearm 18 to a location collinear with barrel26. In an embodiment of the present invention wherein illuminator 12 isa laser diode, illuminator 12 emits coherent electro-magnetic radiationthat passes through collimator 40 before exiting barrel 26 of firearm 18to a location collinear with barrel 26.

Preferably, duration of completed electrical circuit resulting fromcontact between firing pin 24 and actuator 16 is predetermined by bias42, or by capacitor 36 circuitry located in training aid 10.

Preferably, actuator 16 is activated in response to sound and/orvibration from firing pin 24 being struck by hammer 22 and/or firing pin24 striking actuator 16 and/or firing pin 24 striking pressure sensitiveswitch 34.

Preferably, a firearm magazine 50 includes a recoil simulation element46 for simulating subjective and objective recoil.

As used herein the term “objective recoil” includes but is not limitedto the backwards displacement of a firearm by the conservation ofmomentum on emission of a projectile from the firearm, the rebounding ofa firearm after the firearm has been fired.

As used herein the term “subjective recoil” includes but is not limitedto the “flip” of a muzzle on a firearm after being fired and/or the felttorque of the firearm due to contrary forces being applied while aprojectile travels down a rifled barrel and/or the slap the user feelsand/or recoil impulse the user feels when firing a firearm.

Thus, recoil simulation element 46 for simulating subjective andobjective recoil is geared towards simulating subjective and objectiverecoil with sufficient energy and or momentum to simulate subjectiverecoil and/or objective recoil of any cartridge known in the art.

Preferably, training aid 40 includes an identification chip 52 forreadily transmitting any type of signal compatible with any weaponsimulation system known in the art, including but not limited to,Miles2000™. Namely and by way of example only identification chip 52readily facilitates transmitting any signal indicative of simulating anyweapon type.

Preferably, identification chip 52 is capable of transmitting any signalindicative of simulating any specific firearm.

As used herein, the term “transmitter” includes, but is not limited to,a RF transmitter, an IR source, a WiFi module, RFID and a “blue tooth”module.

As used herein, the term “receiver” includes, but is not limited to, aRF receiver, an IR module, a WiFi module, RFID module and a “blue tooth”module.

Optionally magazine 50 includes a speaker or an audio apparatus 54responsive to the training aid 10 for readily simulating the audio soundcharacteristic the firearm being used.

Alternatively, audio apparatus 54 can be set and/or programmed toproduce any audio sound characteristic of any firearm thereby providingsimulating and training enhancements beyond what is commonly known inthe art.

A variety of safety enhancements are envisaged with training aid 10. Byway of example only, a safety color such as bright orange can beincluded on a cocking handle 56 or any other prominent or visible areaof the firearm.

Optionally, bolt carrier 30 can be constructed or include a componentselected from the group consisting of: colored polymer, paintedaluminum, anodized aluminum, Teflon coated materials, brass, copper orany other non-marring and/or readily visible material or color.

FIG. 2 shows a training aid system 58 in alternative embodiment of areplacement bolt and/or rotating bolt 28 and/or a bolt carrier 30 fordry fire and live fire simulation.

As shown, a training aid system 58 preferably includes an illuminator12, a power source 14, and an actuator 16.

Training aid system 58 is preferably used while situated inside of, andin conjunction with, a firearm 18, wherein firearm 18 is preferablycomprised of a trigger 20 (shown in FIG. 1), a hammer 22 (shown in FIG.1), a firing pin 24, and a barrel 26 (shown in FIG. 1). Barrel 26 (shownin FIG. 1) is preferably comprised of a material capable of conductingan electrical current.

Preferably, the firearm is one selected from the group consisting of anyfirearm including a bolt and/or rotating bolt 28, a bolt carrier 30 aswell as rifles, Machine guns, Sniper rifles, a pistol, a revolver, ashotgun, a rifle and the like.

Preferably, training aid system 58 has a concentric shape recalling thatof a bolt and/or rotating bolt 28 and/or a bolt carrier 30.

Preferably, illuminator 12 is a light emitting diode (“LED”) for readilyemitting a visible light and/or IR illumination.

Alternatively, illuminator 12 is an LED of sufficient power toilluminate proximal and distal targets with visible and/or invisibleillumination.

Preferably, illuminator 12 is an LED has a capacity of at between 0.1-1watts.

Preferably, illuminator 12 is an LED has a capacity of at between 0.1-1watts.

Preferably, illuminator 12 is an LED has a capacity of at least 1 watts.

Alternatively, illuminator 12 is a bulb, which bulb is constructed ofsuch desired shape and size so as to fit within the physical contours oftraining aid system 58.

More preferably, illuminator 12 is a laser diode for readily emittingcoherent electro-magnetic radiation.

Preferably, power source 14 is electrically connected to illuminator 12.Preferably, power source 14 is situated in adjacency to illuminator 12for readily powering illuminator 12. Optionally, illuminator 12 ispowered by a battery 32.

Preferably, battery 32 is a lithium battery for readily enhancing lengthof use. More preferably, battery 32 is a battery commonly used withknown electro-optic products known in the art.

Especially preferred, battery 32 is a 3 v lithium battery akin of CR123batteries known in the art.

Alternatively, actuator 16 is constructed of a crystalline. Optionally,actuator 16 is constructed of at least one crystalline formation, suchthat application of mechanical stress and/or pressure on actuator 16generates sufficient electric current to power illuminator 12.

Preferably, power source 14 generates electric current by application ofstress and/or mechanical pressure to a substance thus bringing aboutelectric polarization in the substance.

Preferably, actuator 16 includes a pressure sensitive switch 34constructed of such material so as to be able to conduct an electricalcurrent.

Preferably, pressure sensitive switch 34 simulates a firearm primer.Preferably, actuator 16 is constructed of such material so as tosubstantially lessen impact of firing pin 24 when actuator 16 is struckby firing pin 24.

Optionally an abbreviated firing pin 24 can be used thereby facilitatinglarger overall length (OAL) of the components in bolt 28.

Preferably, actuator 16 and/or pressure sensitive switch 34 include anenergy absorbing material such that energy from firing pin 24 strikingpressure sensitive switch 34 is dampened.

Preferably, actuator 16 and/or pressure sensitive switch 34 areconstructed in way that energy from firing pin 24 striking pressuresensitive switch 34 is dampened.

Preferably, actuator 16 is electrically connected to, and situated near,power source 14 so as to be capable of conducting an electrical currentfrom power source 14. Actuator 16 is further preferably electricallyconnected to, and situated near, batteries 32 so as to be capable ofconducting an electrical current from batteries 32.

Preferably, training aid system 58 includes a capacitor 36 attached to,or integrally formed with, power source 14.

Preferably, capacitor 36 is geared toward providing a multiplicity oftime settings wherein capacitor can be preset to release an electricalcharge sufficient for a single illumination of illuminator 12.

Optionally capacitor 36 replaces and/or augments the use of batteries 32in training aid system 58.

Preferably, capacitor 36 is geared toward providing the ability tocreate a simulated jam in the firearm, such that the user shall berequired to perform a predetermined manipulation of the firearm prior tocapacitor 36 reengaging and facilitating the continuation of the stringof fire.

By way of example only, the “jam” may require the removal and insertionof the magazine in order to clear the “jammed” weapon and prior tocapacitor 36 reengaging and facilitating the continuation of the stringof fire. Alternatively, either randomly, or once in, for example, 90shots fired, or the fourth shot fired the firearm is set to simulate a“jam”, thereby forcing the user to “clear” the jammed condition of thefirearm.

Optionally, a time chip 38 is electrically to, or integrally formedwith, power source 14.

Preferably, time chip 38 can be preset to readily facilitateillumination of illuminator 12 for any time between 0.01 seconds and 1.0seconds.

Preferably, time chip 38 can be preset to readily facilitateillumination of illuminator 12 for any time between 0.05 seconds and0.30 seconds.

Preferably, time chip 38 can be preset to readily facilitateillumination of illuminator 12 for substantially 0.25 seconds.

Preferably, time chip 38 can be preset to readily facilitateillumination of illuminator 12 for any time between 0.5 seconds and 2.0seconds, such that any displacement of the firearm during or afterillumination initiation is readily visible to a user either with thenaked eye or with the assistance of suitable apparatus as in the case ofan IR illumination.

Preferably, training aid system 58 includes a collimator 40 attached to,or integrally formed, with illuminator 12.

Preferably, collimator 40 is situated in adjacency to illuminator 12 forreadily focusing light and/or electromagnetic radiation passing throughcollimator 40.

Preferably, collimators 40 of different characteristics can be used asknown in the art for producing alternate focusing and/or collimatingproperties of illumination emitted from illuminator 12.

Preferably, collimator 40 focuses and/or collimates illumination passingthrough collimator 40 into a clear, substantially circular area ofillumination that is substantially between 0.01 and 0.1 centimeters indiameter when illuminating at 9 yards.

Preferably, collimator 40 focuses and/or collimates illumination passingthrough collimator 40 into a clear, substantially circular area ofillumination that is substantially between 0.1 and 0.6 centimeters indiameter when illuminating at 9 yards.

Preferably, training aid system 58 includes an identificationtransmitter 44 for readily transmitting a signal from training aidsystem 58 to any receiver.

Preferably, identification transmitter 44 readily transmits a signalsubstantially contemporaneously with every illumination of illuminator12.

Preferably, identification transmitter 44 is capable of transmitting anytype of signal compatible with any weapon simulation system known in theart, including but not limited to, Miles2000™. Namely and by way ofexample only identification transmitter 44 readily facilitatestransmitting any signal indicative of simulating any weapon type.

Preferably, identification transmitter 44 is capable of transmitting anysignal indicative of simulating any specific the firearm.

Occasioning on the firearm being a revolver, a bolt action rifle, aroating bolt rifle or the firearm having a “double action” mechanism(DA) or double action only mechanism (DAO), illumination of illuminator12 occurs substantially contemporaneously with firing pin 24 strikingactuator 16.

Completion of electrical circuit brought about by firing pin 24 strikingactuator 16 causes power source 14 to provide power to illuminator 12.Upon receiving power from power source 14, illuminator 12 emitsillumination that passes through collimator 40 and further throughbarrel 26 (shown in FIG. 1) and then out of the firearm to a locationcollinear with barrel 26 (shown in FIG. 1). In an embodiment of thepresent invention wherein illuminator 12 is a laser diode, illuminator12 emits coherent electro-magnetic radiation that passes throughcollimator 40 before exiting barrel 26 (shown in FIG. 1) of the firearmto a location collinear with barrel 26 (shown in FIG. 1).

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates for 0.05-0.5 seconds for everyillumination.

The term “eye safe” as used herein includes, but is not limited tolasers in classes 1, 1M, 2 and 2M of American National StandardsInstitute (ANSI) Z136.1 (2000) standard.

More preferably illuminator 12 illuminates substantially “eye safe”illumination.

Preferably, illumination of illuminator 12 is modulated between 10-100KHz.

More preferably, illumination of illuminator 12 is modulated atsubstantially 40 KHz.

Preferably, illuminator 12 is capable of illuminating at any wavelengthincluding, but not limited to, visible, Infra Red, Ultra Violet andX-ray wavelengths.

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates at a wavelength of substantially635 nm.

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates substantially at a wavelengthproducing visible red.

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates substantially at a wavelengthproducing Infra Red (IR) illumination.

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates substantially at a wavelengthproducing visible red illumination

Preferably, training aid system 58 is compatible with any simulationknown and used in the art including, but not limited to, Miles 2000™.

Preferably, duration of completed electrical circuit resulting fromcontact between firing pin 24 and actuator 16 is predetermined bycapacitor 36 circuitry located in training aid system 58.

Occasioning on a hammerless the firearm being used, in operation, firingpin 24 is displaced to a rearward position. Such rearward positioning offiring pin 24 is known as “cocking” and is a prerequisite step todischarging hammerless the firearm and engaging training aid system 58.

After the firearm has been cocked, rearward displacement of trigger 20(shown in FIG. 1) results in a complimentary displacement of firing pin24 to a forward position. Thereafter, firing pin 24 strikes actuator 16,the contact from such striking of actuator 16 thereby completing anelectrical circuit.

Completion of electrical circuit brought about by firing pin 24 strikingactuator 16 causes power source 14 to provide power to illuminator 12.Upon receiving power from power source 14, illuminator 12 emitsillumination that passes through collimator 40 and further throughbarrel 26 (shown in FIG. 1) and then out of the firearm to a locationcollinear with barrel 26 (shown in FIG. 1). In an embodiment of thepresent invention wherein illuminator 12 is a laser diode, illuminator12 emits coherent electro-magnetic radiation that passes throughcollimator 40 before exiting barrel 26 (shown in FIG. 1) of the firearmto a location collinear with barrel 26 (shown in FIG. 1).

Preferably, duration of completed electrical circuit resulting fromcontact between firing pin 24 and actuator 16 is predetermined bycapacitor 36 circuitry located in training aid system 58.

Preferably, actuator 16 is activated in response to sound and/orvibration from firing pin 24 being struck by hammer 22 (shown in FIG. 1)and/or firing pin 24 striking actuator 16 and/or firing pin 24 strikingpressure sensitive switch 34.

Preferably, training aid 40 includes an identification chip 52 forreadily transmitting any type of signal compatible with any weaponsimulation system known in the art, including but not limited to,Miles2000™. Namely and by way of example only identification chip 52readily facilitates transmitting any signal indicative of simulating anyweapon type.

Preferably, identification chip 52 is capable of transmitting any signalindicative of simulating any specific firearm.

As used herein, the term “transmitter” includes, but is not limited to,a RF transmitter, an IR source, a WiFi module, RFID and a “blue tooth”module.

As used herein, the term “receiver” includes, but is not limited to, aRF receiver, an IR module, a WiFi module, RFID module and a “blue tooth”module.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended to onlyserve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A training aid apparatus comprising: (a) a body configured to replacea weapon's firing mechanism including: (i) a power source situatedwithin said body; (ii) an illuminator electrically attached to saidpower source; and (iii) an actuator electrically attached to saidilluminator for readily controlling illumination of said illuminator. 2.The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the training aid hasa concentric shape recalling that of a standard bolt and/or rotatingbolt and/or bolt carrier.
 3. The training aid apparatus of claim 1,wherein said illuminator is a light emitting diode.
 4. The training aidapparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is a light bulb.
 5. Thetraining aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is a laser.6. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is an“eye safe” laser.
 7. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidactuator further comprising a pressure sensitive switch.
 8. The trainingaid apparatus of claim 7, wherein said pressure sensitive switch isconstructed of electrically conductive material.
 9. The training aidapparatus of claim 1, wherein said firing mechanism replaces a boltcarrier of said weapon.
 10. The training aid apparatus of claim 1,wherein said replacement bolt carrier includes a predeterminedexternalism for readily identifying said replacement bolt as a safetyenhancement.
 11. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a collimator for focusing and/or collimating illuminationpassing through said collimator.
 12. The training aid apparatus of claim1, wherein said collimator collimates illumination passing through saidcollimator into an area of illumination is substantially between 0.01and 0.1 centimeters in diameter when illuminating at 9 yards.
 13. Thetraining aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said collimator collimatesillumination passing through said collimator into an area ofillumination is substantially between 0.1 and 0.6 centimeters indiameter when illuminating at 9 yards.
 14. The training aid apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said power source includes a capacitor for limitingillumination duration.
 15. The training aid apparatus of claim 1,wherein said power source includes a capacitor for limiting the numberof illuminations to a predetermined number.
 16. The training aidapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a time chip for controlling thetime of illumination of said illuminator.
 17. The training aid apparatusof claim 16, wherein said time chip facilitates illumination of saidilluminator for any time between 0.01 seconds and 1.0 seconds.
 18. Thetraining aid apparatus of claim 16, wherein said time chip facilitates“eye safe” illumination of said illuminator.
 19. The training aidapparatus of claim 16, wherein said time chip facilitates illuminationof said illuminator for substantially 0.25 seconds.
 20. The training aidapparatus of claim 16, wherein said time chip facilitates illuminationof said illuminator for any time between 0.5 seconds and 2.0 seconds 21.The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator includesa processor for readily controlling the modulated of the illuminator.22. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator ismodulated at substantially between 10-100 KHz.
 23. The training aidapparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is modulated atsubstantially 40 KHz.
 24. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid illuminator illuminates at any wavelength.
 25. The training aidapparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator illuminates substantiallyat a wavelength producing a visible color selected from the groupconsisting of: red illumination, green illumination, and blueillumination.
 26. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidpower source includes a 3 v lithium battery.
 27. The training aidapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a transmitter for transmittinga signal.
 28. The training aid apparatus of claim 27, wherein saidsignal is compatible with any weapon simulation system.
 29. A trainingaid system comprising: (a) a firearm including a firing mechanismselected from the group consisting of a bolt, a rotating bolt and a boltcarrier; (b) a training aid apparatus situated in said firearm,replacing a firing mechanism selected from the group consisting of abolt, a rotating bolt and a bolt carrier including: (i) a power source;(ii) an illuminator electrically attached to said power source; and(iii) an actuator electrically attached to said illuminator for readilycontrolling illumination of said illuminator; and (c) an audio apparatusresponsive to said training aid apparatus.
 30. The training aid systemof claim 29, wherein said training aid apparatus includes a wirelesstransmitter and said audio apparatus includes a receiver.
 31. Thetraining aid system of claim 29, wherein said firearm includes amagazine with an identification chip and said audio apparatus includes areceiver.
 32. The training aid system of claim 29, wherein said trainingaid apparatus has a concentric shape recalling that of a firearmcomponent selected from the group consisting of: a bolt, a rotatingbolt, a bolt carrier and a revolver cylinder.
 33. The training aidsystem of claim 29, wherein said training aid apparatus includes apneumatic element.
 34. The training aid system of claim 31, wherein saidmagazine includes a weighted striker for simulating subjective andobjective recoil.
 35. The training aid system of claim 34, wherein saidmagazine further includes a displacer for readily displacing saidweighted striker against a striking surface.
 36. The training aid systemof claim 34, wherein said displacer is responsive to an action selectedfrom the group consisting of: said training aid apparatus beingactivated, said actuator being activated, a sound from a firing pin, avibration from said firing pin and said firing pin striking saidactuator.
 37. The training aid system of claim 31, wherein said magazineincludes a pneumatic recoil simulator for simulating subjective andobjective recoil
 38. The training aid system of claim 29, wherein saidaudio apparatus further includes a speaker.
 39. The training aid systemof claim 29, wherein said audio apparatus further includes a speaker forsimulating a sound selected from the group consisting of: a specificfirearm being fired, voicing instructions by a human instructor andvoicing imbedded instructions in accordance to a training scenario. 40.The training aid system of claim 29, wherein said audio apparatusincludes a set of headphones for simulating a sound selected from thegroup consisting of: a specific firearm being fired, voicinginstructions by a human instructor and voicing imbedded instructions inaccordance to a training scenario.
 41. The training aid system of claim29, wherein said audio apparatus further includes a processing unit. 42.The training aid system of claim 41, wherein said processing unit is acomputer.
 43. The training aid system of claim 42, wherein said computeris interfaced to a signal from said training aid apparatus.
 44. Thetraining aid system of claim 42, wherein said signal received by saidcomputers is fully interfaced with any on-line or web-based softwarerunning on said computer.
 45. A training aid apparatus according to1-28, substantially as herein described and with reference to thefigures.
 46. A training aid system according to claims 29-44,substantially as herein described and with reference to the figures.